Page 15 - Cleveland Vol 5 No 3

HISTORY REPEATS
“Once I made the decision to go to law school, Andy and I parted ways again for a while. He was going to Akron and I was headed to Chicago,” says Ciano. “We both shared the same vision and dream - - how to create a second-generation of what our fathers had built at the Reminger law rm.
“And sure enough, when I le my rst rm to start my own practice, the business was growing so fast that I needed to gure out the next steps. Andy was with another rm, but we put our heads together and in August of 2000 we launched “Ciano & Goldwasser.”
Just as their fathers before them, the two men quickly built one of the most successful and notable law rms in Ohio. More than law part- ners, the bonds that tie these two gentlemen are unique and strong; forged over a lifetime.
“Andy has been an incredible partner,” says Ciano. “I trust him with my life. I trust him inherently. We’ve made incredible sacri ces to- gether and I couldn’t be luckier. To have a business partner like that for two decades is a rarity and a blessing.”
IN THE BEGINNING
A er Tu s, Ciano graduated cum laude from the John Marshal Law School of Chicago.
Today, his robust practice is primarily devoted to healthcare law, corporate and complex transactional and litigation matters, as well as a vibrant sports law practice, representing certi ed player agents in baseball, basketball, football and golf.
But without question, one of the most memorable and pivotal cases of his career came very early on, when he rst struck out on his own. It wasn’t so much the how or what of the case, but rather, who the op- posing counsel would be. A mere three years out of law school, Ciano faced his rst major jury trial and seated across the aisle were two experienced partners from his father’s law rm. At that point in his career and newly established practice, a bit like David facing Goliath, especially in the high-stakes trial that unfolded over the next several days.
“It was very awkward and interesting, stressful yet invigorating. To have your rst signi cant jury trial
be up against a large, 100-person law rm is certainly challenging. Let alone, when it’s your own father’s rm. But it also made for some interesting holiday dinner conversation as well,” he quips.
Ultimately, just as David was victorious with his slingshot, so was Ciano triumphant on behalf of his client. And, like so many other des- tiny stories, “the rest is history.”
Timing Is Everything
Being in the right place at the right time is a theme that’s run consis- tently throughout Ciano’s life. “Some call it ‘fate’, but I call it ‘faith’. God has had his hand on my shoulder, and I never take that for granted,” says Ciano. Ciano’s life adventures are many, including his trading ca- reer which took him frequently to Asia, Central America, and Europe in his early twenties. But one that stands out is a nerve wracking, albeit fortuitous trip that led to his meeting the love of his life.
I always said, ‘no way, I’m not even going to try to step into my father’s shoes.’” ... “But you know, we make plans and God laughs.”
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